Packers: Five standout performances from Week 16 win vs. Titans

5. Green Bay’s defense

Stat line: 14 points allowed, 2 interceptions, 2 sacks, held Derrick Henry to 98 yards

They won’t be mistaken for the 2000 Baltimore Ravens or the ’85 Bears, but the Packers defense stepped up big in a game they had to.

It was all but certain Derrick Henry would have a big game against Green Bay’s defense. They have struggled against the run dating back to last year.

That coupled with the NFL’s leading rusher spelled a recipe for disaster. That didn’t happen. Instead, Mike Pettine’s crew kept Henry under 100 yards, Ryan Tannehill under 50 percent completion percentage, and recored two sacks and interceptions.

There were more than a few highlights for the defense on Sunday night.

Jaire Alexander cemented his top corner status. Adrian Amos, Krys Barnes, and Kenny Clark were as solid as ever and Darnell Savage is an emerging playmaker at the safety position.

Rashan Gary and Kevin King are coming on strong, Preston Smith has gotten his groove back while Za’Darius Smith has been the constant disrupter despite constantly playing through one injury or another.

Much like the Packers in 2014, the defense is finding its footing at the right time. They have carried over the performance from the last three games into this one and held the NFL’s leading rusher in check and the highest-scoring offense to only 14 points.

Things are coming together for the Packers. One more win and they have the number one seed. Based off what we saw Sunday night, that could be just what the Packers need to make their second Super Bowl appearance in the Rodgers era.